4 DaysJapan
Shizuoka
Your 4-day travel guide
The best times to visit Shizuoka are spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November). Spring offers mild tem...
Shizuoka•4D•All
Shizuoka, Japan
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:All travelers
Green Tea Fields and Castle Views
Shizuoka, the capital of Shizuoka Prefecture, offers a compelling blend of historical significance and culinary excellence. Located between Tokyo and Osaka, this city is famous for its views of Mount Fuji, its deep connection to green tea production, and its role as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. For couples seeking culture and food, Shizuoka provides intimate historical sites, world-class tea experiences, and fresh seafood from Suruga Bay, all within a relaxed urban setting that feels distinctly local rather than overtly touristy.
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1
Historical Foundations and Evening Ambiance
Day 1 of your journey
Sunpu Castle Park is built on the site of the former castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu retired. While the main keep is gone, the extensive stone walls, moats, and reconstructed gates like the Tatsumi Yagura watchtower offer a peaceful historical walk. The park's wide lawns and gardens are perfect for a relaxed stroll. A small museum on-site details the castle's history. Visiting in the late morning allows you to enjoy the space before potential afternoon crowds. Plan for about 90 minutes to walk the perimeter and visit the exhibits.
Sunpu Castle Park
Why Visit
This park is central to understanding Shizuoka's history as a power base during the Edo period. It provides a tangible connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu in a serene, green setting ideal for couples to explore together without rush. The reconstructed structures and informative museum offer a solid cultural foundation for your trip.
Address: Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City. For the best photo of the Tatsumi Yagura with Mount Fuji in the background (on a clear day), position yourself on the southern side of the inner moat. The park is free to enter, with a small fee for the museum.
2
The World of Green Tea
Day 2 of your journey
3
Art, Tokugawa Legacy, and Local Flavors
Day 3 of your journey
4
Gardens, Crafts, and Departure
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Shizuoka is easily navigated by local buses and trains from Shizuoka Station. Consider a one-day bus pass for convenience.
While credit cards are accepted in larger stores and hotels, carry cash for smaller restaurants, markets, and shrine donations.
Basic English is understood at major tourist sites and hotels, but learning a few Japanese phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) is appreciated.
Shizuoka is a very safe city. Standard precautions for personal belongings are sufficient.
When visiting temples and shrines, observe quiet respect. Wash your hands at the chozuya (water pavilion) before approaching the main hall.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is standard and included.
Public trash cans are rare. Carry a small bag for your rubbish until you return to your accommodation.
Purchase a data SIM card or ensure your roaming is activated for easy use of map apps and translation tools.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Shizuoka are spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November). Spring offers mild temperatures and the possibility of cherry blossoms in early April, with clear views of Mount Fuji. Autumn features comfortable, crisp weather and vibrant fall colors, especially in the parks and surrounding hills. Summer (June to September) can be hot and humid, with the rainy season typically in June and early July. Winter (December to February) is cool but generally mild, with fewer tourists and a chance of clear Fuji views, though some mountain areas can be chilly.
Local Insights & Tips
Shizuoka has a relaxed, unpretentious character. It's a working city with deep roots in tea, fishing, and manufacturing, which gives it an authentic feel. Locals are generally friendly but reserved. The pace is slower than Tokyo or Osaka. Respect for tradition is evident in the well-maintained historical sites and tea culture. When dining, it's polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after. In public baths or onsens, wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath. The city takes pride in its local products—green tea, fresh seafood, and wasabi—so showing interest in these is welcomed.